Lunchtime in Rome

Lunchtime In Rome

Why do you feel alone? www.lunchtimeinrome.com

  1. Who Cares! | Ep. 326

    Jun 18

    Who Cares! | Ep. 326

    A warm return, meaningful conversations about Gold Star families, and a hilariously informative deep-dive into everyone’s favorite comfort food. The crew at Lunchtime in Rome is back for episode 326, and the table feels fuller than ever. In typical fashion, the conversation flows effortlessly from lighthearted banter to heartfelt moments and then lands squarely in the delicious (and surprisingly scientific) world of grilled cheese. It’s the kind of episode that reminds you why you keep pulling up a seat. From an Old Green Shirt to Honoring Gold Star Families Things kick off with some casual wardrobe commentary that quickly turns meaningful. A green t-shirt with a flag on it sparks a conversation about the Til Valhalla Project — a for-profit company that sets aside money from every t-shirt sale to support Gold Star families. The discussion highlights the quiet, powerful work being done in the community to honor those who have lost loved ones in service and the emotional impact of simply showing up for people in their hardest moments. It’s a beautiful reminder that small choices can carry real weight. Brian’s Back: Life Updates, Change & a Pool Project The energy lifts when Brian returns to the show after some time away. The group catches up on what’s been happening in his world, including a recent home improvement project — a permanent structure at the pool. They reflect on change in that signature Lunchtime in Rome way: honest, hopeful, and laced with humor. “Change is good,” someone observes, and the conversation explores what we carry forward and what we let evolve. It’s the kind of catch-up that feels like reconnecting with an old friend. When Grilled Cheese Gets Serious (and Hilarious) Just when you think the episode can’t get more entertaining, leftover cheese takes center stage. What starts as friendly kitchen chat becomes a passionate, laugh-out-loud debate about the perfect grilled cheese. The crew dives into the chemistry of American cheese (yes, it’s real cheese with a little scientific help), debates pre-shredded vs. freshly grated, shares strong opinions on the best melting cheeses, and even conducts a real-time experiment with jalapeño Havarti and leftover cheddar. Brand loyalties are declared, melting properties are analyzed, and an unscientific “who ate more” contest breaks out. By the end, you’ll have new respect for the humble grilled cheese sandwich — and a serious craving. Why This Episode Works Episode 326 captures everything we love about Lunchtime in Rome: real people having real conversations that bounce between the profound and the playful without ever feeling forced. One minute you’re talking about honoring fallen heroes and the emotional labor of community care; the next you’re arguing about whether pre-shredded cheese should be legal. It all feels natural, warm, and like you’re sitting right there at the table with them. If you’ve been craving that cozy, friend-gathering vibe with a side of meaningful moments and belly laughs, this episode delivers in spades. It’s the perfect reminder that the best conversations — and the best grilled cheese — happen when people show up as they are. Ready to listen? Search for “Lunchtime in Rome” episode 326 on your favorite podcast app. And if you enjoy what you hear, subscribe so you never miss a seat at the table. What’s your ultimate grilled cheese cheese combo? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear (and maybe test it ourselves). Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    51 min
  2. We’re getting somewhere with this? | Ep. 325

    Jun 11

    We’re getting somewhere with this? | Ep. 325

    Pull up a seat at the table — it’s time for another warm, laughter-filled conversation with the Lunchtime in Rome crew. In Episode 325, titled “We’re Getting Somewhere With This,” the hosts are joined by Amy and Bella for a relaxed catch-up that feels like grabbing lunch with old friends. The episode opens with a quick, slightly gross personal story that sets a playful tone right away (yes, it involves a tick the size of a nickel). From there, the conversation shifts into real life updates and the kind of easy, meandering storytelling that makes this show so enjoyable. Backyard Dreams and Summer Vibes One of the highlights is hearing about the ongoing effort to actually use the backyard patio this year. After regretting how little it got used last summer, there’s been some serious cleaning and refreshing happening — including pressure washing pretty much everything out there. The big excitement? A new-to-them outdoor sectional couch that was gifted from friends (with a funny clarification that “nobody died”). Expect talk of wooded views, fireflies making a return appearance (with a callback to last week’s episode), plans for string lights, and the hope of turning the space into a true summer hangout spot. Of course, Pittsburgh humidity makes its obligatory appearance in the discussion. A Legendary Trip Down Memory Lane The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the group reminisces about a mission trip to Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One name keeps coming up: Skinner — a lean, hardworking guy who hitchhiked his way down to help and quickly became legendary within the crew for his work ethic… and his appetite. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there’s a memorable buffet story involving CC’s that has the group laughing and comparing notes with competitive eating greats. It’s the kind of “you had to be there” tale that lands perfectly in the Lunchtime in Rome style — equal parts hilarious, wholesome, and a little bit gross in the best way. Food Talk and Travel Stories As always, food makes its way into the chat. The group discusses buffets (both the love and the skepticism), Brazilian steakhouses like Fogo de Chão, and some memorable travel dining experiences (including a questionable breakfast choice from a trip to St. Lucia). It’s light, fun, and full of the relatable opinions you’d expect from friends debating where to eat. The Vibe Throughout the hour, the chemistry with guests Amy and Bella keeps things lively and warm. There’s catching up on life since Amy was last on, plenty of good-natured ribbing, time confusion banter, and that signature Lunchtime in Rome feeling of sitting around a table where everyone is welcome. Episode 325 is relaxed, funny, nostalgic, and genuinely encouraging — the perfect mid-week listen if you need a reminder that progress (on patios, projects, or just life) often happens in the small, everyday moments and conversations. Ready to hear the full stories?The tick tale, the Skinner saga, the patio plans, and all the laughs are waiting for you. Listen to Episode 325 now on your favorite platform or directly at lunchtimeinrome.com. While you’re there, take the Relational Needs Questionnaire — it’s a simple, insightful tool to check in on how you’re doing in your most important relationships. Follow the show on social media for more updates, and we’ll see you next week for Episode 326! Thanks for pulling up a seat at the table. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1h 4m
  3. Jun 4

    New Format? | Ep. 324

    Pull up a seat at the table — Lunchtime in Rome We’re trying something a little different this week, and we hope you enjoy the fresh take on our conversation style. Episode 324 is loose, fun, and full of the kind of real-life back-and-forth that makes the table feel like home. Jay kicks things off with a hilarious story from the recent baseball team banquet — complete with an on-the-spot sound effects adventure that had everyone cracking up. He also gives a positive update on his alpha-gal journey (those of you who’ve been following along will be glad to hear how the latest treatment went). From there, the conversation flows naturally into one of our favorite topics: food. The crew compares notes on fast food favorites, hidden gems, guilty pleasures, and the eternal debate over sauces, burgers, and fries. Expect plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and maybe a few surprises about where everyone lands on the local (and not-so-local) spots. As always, the episode is warm, relatable, and centered on connection — exactly what we aim for every time we gather at the table. Listen Now Whether you’re catching it live, on YouTube, or on your favorite podcast app, this one’s a good one to throw on while you’re driving, cooking, or just unwinding after a long day. Subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 325, and while you’re at it: * Visit lunchtimeinrome.com to take our Relational Needs Questionnaire * Follow us on social media * Leave a five-star review if you enjoy the show — it really helps! Thanks for sitting with us. We’ll see you next week at the table. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  4. May 28

    Hello SUMMER! | Ep. 323

    Pull up a seat at the table—summer is officially here, and the Lunchtime in Rome crew is ready to celebrate! In this week’s episode, Bella is back. She gives everyone an update on her wildly chaotic final stretch of school—including a high-pressure juried theater final that had her performing in three completely different historical styles of acting. You can feel the relief in her voice now that it’s all behind her. From there the conversation turns to the season ahead. The table dives into the big question: What are you looking forward to most this summer? And what, exactly, makes summer feel like summer? Expect plenty of laughter, family banter, and the kind of easy, honest talk that makes this podcast feel like sitting with friends. Of course, no Lunchtime in Rome episode would be complete without food making an appearance. The crew swaps favorite summer eats, classic cookout memories, and at least one wildly creative kitchen experiment that might just become a new family tradition. Whether you’re team hot dog, team burger, team corn-on-the-cob, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with the simple joys and relational warmth that make the show special. Listen now to Episode 323 – “Hello Summer” wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full video on YouTube at Lunchtime in Rome. While you’re at it: * Visit lunchtimeinrome.com and take our free Relational Needs Questionnaire * Follow us on social media for more summer vibes and behind-the-scenes moments * Leave a five-star review if the show makes your day brighter—we’d love it! See you at the table next week for Episode 324. Happy summer, friends! 🌞 Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    54 min
  5. Do I Love Well? | Ep. 322

    May 21

    Do I Love Well? | Ep. 322

    Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash Are you a loving person? It’s one of those questions we rarely stop and ask ourselves out loud. We’re all just trying to make it through the day—juggling work, family, health struggles, yard work, and the occasional squirrel invasion. But what if we paused long enough to wonder: How do I actually know if I’m loving well? In this week’s episode of Lunchtime in Rome, the table dives into exactly that. Jay, Eric (Big Guy), and Mary Lynn share honest updates from their week—everything from a perfect Kennywood day and a surprise hawk sighting to alpha-gal syndrome battles, garden mulching hacks, and a very determined turkey guarding a bird feeder. The crew sends Brian birthday wishes from afar, and the conversation flows exactly like it does when good friends gather. Then the real question hits: How do we measure love? Not the warm-and-fuzzy feeling, but the actual doing. The crew walks through a simple, practical three-level barometer that will make you think twice the next time you wonder if you’re showing up for the people around you. They also talk through a couple of important caveats—because sometimes what looks like love isn’t actually love at all. As always, the episode is equal parts real life, laughter, and heart. You’ll hear about: * A rite-of-passage roller-coaster ride that still has Eric smiling * The surprising joy of DoorDash mulch delivery * Why old-school Pizza Hut still hits different (and whether it’s coming back near you) * Nate Bargatze’s latest family-friendly projects that have everyone talking Pull up a seat. Grab a cup of coffee (or a Halls cough drop, if you’re still recovering from last week). And come wrestle with one of the most important questions any of us can ask: Do I love well? Listen to Episode 322 now wherever you get your podcasts—or watch the full video on YouTube. While you’re at it, head over to lunchtimeinrome.com and take the free Relational Needs Questionnaire. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going long after the episode ends. And if you love what you hear, please leave us a five-star review and share the episode with someone who might need the reminder that love is less about how we feel and more about how we show up. See you at the table next week for Episode 323. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    51 min
  6. Nostalgia with Joe Cap | Ep. 321

    May 7

    Nostalgia with Joe Cap | Ep. 321

    Pull up a seat at the table—because this week on Lunchtime in Rome, we’re diving headfirst into that warm, fuzzy feeling we all chase: nostalgia. Host Jay is joined by Mary Lynn and special guest Joe Cap (Giuseppe Capobianco), a lifelong Penn Hills guy, baseball coach, and someone who genuinely appreciates where he came from. What starts as the usual catching-up—life updates, a few classic pet peeves, and family wins—quickly turns into a heartfelt, hilarious trip down memory lane. Joe shares his story: growing up on High Point Drive, the tight-knit Italian-American family life, coaching at Penn Hills, and what it means to pour everything into the next generation of kids wearing the Indian uniform. But the real magic happens when the conversation shifts to the big question: If you had a time machine and only two hours to spend back in Penn Hills, where would you go and what would you do? The answers come fast and funny—childhood adventures in the woods, bike rides that lasted all day, corner-store candy runs, legendary local spots, Sunday dinners, and the exact foods that still make mouths water. From Dairy Delight runs to backyard catches with Dad, the table is full of laughter, “I can still smell it” moments, and that shared recognition that things really were different back then. It’s equal parts funny, touching, and relatable—whether you grew up in Penn Hills or just love remembering simpler times. Joe’s humility, the crew’s easy banter, and the way the conversation flows from modern-day life straight back to the glory days make this one of those episodes you don’t want to end. We even sneak in a quick look at Joe’s results from our Relational Needs Questionnaire (and yes, there may be a theory or two about why they turned out the way they did). If you appreciate where you came from, miss the days of playing outside until the streetlights came on, or just want to smile at stories that feel like home, this episode is for you. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts (or watch on YouTube).First-time listeners: subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and visit lunchtimeinrome.com to take the Relational Needs Questionnaire yourself. See you at the table next week for Episode 322. Until then… rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and maybe take a minute to remember the good old days. Lunchtime in Rome — because it’s always 12:15 somewhere. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1h 7m
4.1
out of 5
20 Ratings

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Why do you feel alone? www.lunchtimeinrome.com